Manhattan fire: Huge blaze breaks out at New York apartment block as 170 firefighters tackle flames
There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Scores of firefighters have rushed to tackle a huge blaze that has erupted in Manhattan and injured at least members of the emergency response team.
Reports suggested that as many as 170 firefighters were tackling the fire at a four-storey building in the Hamilton Heights neighbourhood in New York's East Harlem.
The fire broke out at 3.15pm and smoke plumes could be seen from locations across the city, reports said.
One woman tweeted a video showing the smoke rising into the sky from her office window on 137th Street.
Syndee Winters, an actress who lists Hamilton: The Musical under her credits, posted videos from the scene of the fire showing the entire roof engulfed in flames as firefighters continued to battle the blaze, according to the website AMNew York.
The city's fire department said that two of its members had suffered non-life threatening injuries. "There are currently 2 non-life-threatening injuries to firefighters reported at 5-alarm fire, 565 W 144 St Manhattan," the department said on Twitter.
There were no reports of any injuries to members of the public. and it was unclear whether the building was occupied at the time the flames took hold.
Officials warned people to stay away from the area. There was no immediate word on the cause of the blaze.
The building is both residential and retail. The fire is on the top floor of the building.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments